Five individuals are now facing criminal charges following an armed robbery at a marijuana grow operation, where masked gunmen carried out a brazen, firearm-involved attack.

On Friday, October 2, the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office responded to an active robbery at a marijuana grow operation located near 180th and Box Road in southern Cleveland County.

CCSO’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) determined the robbery was incredibly violent in nature, with two victims being struck with firearms, resulting in one sustaining a head injury.

The apprehension of the suspects was made possible by the swift, coordinated efforts of the Oklahoma City Police Department’s Violent Crime Apprehension Team (VCAT) and Violent Crimes Investigations unit (VCI).

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation also provided critical investigative support to CCSO CID and remains engaged, providing continued assistance as the investigation progresses.

“The level of violence involved in this armed robbery is deeply concerning. We will pursue every available legal avenue, deploy every appropriate resource, and hold those responsible accountable to the fullest extent of the law. The assistance provided by the Oklahoma City Police Department’s VCAT and VCI units, along with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, was instrumental in helping bring these dangerous suspects into custody,” Cleveland Sheriff Darrell Weaver said.

CCSO and OKCPD recovered trafficking amounts of stolen marijuana and recovered four handguns and a shotgun through the course of the investigation.

Andre Whittenberg has been charged with robbery by force or fear, burglary first degree, and conspiracy to commit a felony. He is currently being held in the Cleveland County Detention Center on a $750,000 bond.

Tommy Faretra is facing charges for robbery by force or fear, burglary first degree, larceny of motor vehicle, conspiracy to commit a felony, and burglary second degree. Faretra is also being held in the CCDC on a $750,000 bond.

The third suspect, Ronald Hopper, is currently being held in the Oklahoma County Jail on a $750,000 bond for possession of firearm by convicted felon, drug trafficking and using firearm while committing a felony.

Two juveniles were also involved and are currently in custody at the Alan J. Couch Juvenile Detention Center.

“I’m incredibly proud of the work of our skilled investigators in the Criminal Investigation Division in responding to this serious, violent crime and working diligently with our law enforcement partners to pursue every lead,” Weaver added.

The individuals engaged in the organized crime are believed to be loosely connected with a sixth individual also believed to be involved in the conspiracy.